This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of pasta, juicy chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce that brings a kick to your meal. It’s perfect for parties or a fun dinner!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix everything together, and you’re ready to go! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; even my picky friends love it! 🐔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds sauce well, making it perfect for this dish. If you don’t have rotini, any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells will work great too.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here for convenience. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken if that’s all you’ve got!
Ranch Dressing: This gives a creamy base. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based ranch or use a simple vinaigrette. I often mix in a bit more buffalo sauce to kick it up!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust this to your spice level preference. If you’re not a fan of heat, try using a mild hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a twist.
Blue Cheese: This optional ingredient adds a punch of flavor. If you don’t like blue cheese, try feta or omit it altogether!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Isn’t Soggy?
To keep your pasta just right, follow these simple steps:
- Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite to it, so it won’t become mushy.
- Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water. This halts the cooking process and cools it down quickly, preventing soggy pasta.
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing it in with your ingredients. This waiting pays off in texture!
Follow these tips, and your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad will be a hit with a perfect balance of crunchy veggies and flavorful pasta!
Best Ever Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (about 8 ounces dry)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and then you should chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain it well and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will stop the cooking process and help keep it from getting soggy. Set the pasta aside.
2. Preparing the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, take a moment to whisk together the ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Keep whisking until everything is nicely blended and smooth. It’s going to smell amazing!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make everything come together! Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, carrots, and celery into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with that delicious sauce.
4. Adding Blue Cheese (If Using):
If you love blue cheese, fold in those crumbles now! They add a fantastic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buffalo wing sauce. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip this step.
5. Final Seasoning:
Season your pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it in well, so every bite is flavorful.
6. Chilling Time:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve this salad chilled. It’s perfect as a side dish at a gathering or a light meal on its own. Enjoy the tasty blend of spicy and creamy flavors!
FAQ for Best Ever Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended because it holds the sauce well, you can use other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells based on your preference or what you have on hand.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce. You can also omit it entirely and use barbecue sauce for a different but still delicious flavor!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad can be prepared up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving again, you may want to mix in a little extra dressing if it seems dry from chilling.